1961-1962 / NZBTI Diploma (Henderson Campus)
I came to BTI in 1961. I had trained as a Primary School teacher and had taught for three years, in Queenstown for one year and then in Fairlie for two years. It was in Fairlie that I heard about BTI from a Presbyterian Minister, who encouraged me to go there.
My home was on a farm near Queenstown, so it was quite a journey to get to BTI; a bus to Christchurch, an overnight ferry from Lyttleton to Wellington, then waiting all day for the overnight train to Auckland. We were met by a bus from the College and taken to the campus at Henderson. The campus had just moved to Henderson, so we were on clean-up work for some time, which was good because we got to know each other well.
I remember enjoying the times we went out on Sundays to help with children's work – I think I was at Te Atatu Parish with Ian and Marie Galloway for one year. I enjoyed the visits to the children's ward at a hospital, but I did not enjoy the street corner meetings, which some men did.
I enjoyed the subjects but never mastered Greek!! But Professor Blaiklock was a joy to listen to, with his wonderful mastery of Greek and his insights into the Gospels. I recall with much pleasure the lectures given by Mr England, and the stories he shared about his time in China.
My time at BTI laid the foundation for all the study I have done since, and gave me a pathway to follow. I recall thinking that I was to be a missionary, but no-one wanted me! In time I learnt that mission fields were not always overseas.
I returned to the farm near Queenstown for three years, working with children and youth as well as on the farm. Then from 1966-68 I studied at Knox College in Dunedin, and became a Deaconess in the Caversham Parish Dunedin (1969-74) before being Ordained to the Ministry in the Presbyterian Church. I worked in Caversham until 1981, and then moved to Wanaka to minister in the Upper Clutha Parish from 1981-2001.
I am now retired, living in Wanaka and provide help where needed in the community.
I am grateful to God for always being there, always giving hope and encouragement, and His love.
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